[Sphincter-sparing operations in rectal cancer]

Data on 564 patients who underwent operation for cancer of the rectum are analysed. Amputation of the rectum was resorted to most frequently because of the low localization of the neoplastic process in the majority of patients. Mortality was higher in amputation than in anterior resection of the rectum. Criteria for sphincter-preserving operations are determined. Preference is given to anterior resection of the rectum as a more physiological operation which was also performed on elderly patients.